Caring for Your Polymer Clay Jewellery: Tips & Tricks - silverstar.nz

Caring for Your Polymer Clay Jewellery

Sam Smith

Our handmade polymer clay jewellery is not only lightweight but also surprisingly durable when cared for properly. If you have just purchased your first pair of polymer clay earrings or you've been collecting pieces for years, knowing how to care for them will ensure they stay beautiful for a long time. 

Here are 5 tips we recommend to keep them looking good:

1. Store in a Safe Place and Avoid Direct Sunlight.

Polymer clay jewellery, especially pieces with glossy resin finishes or gold finishes, can get scratched if stored with sharp pointy objects. To avoid this, keep your polymer clay pieces separate from other metal jewelry, sharp objects or rough surfaces. Direct sunlight or extreme temperatures can cause resin to yellow quickly or colours in the clay to fade over time.

We recommend storing your handmade polymer clay pieces in a closed jewelry box or a soft pouch when not in use.

2. Keep Away from Chemicals

Avoid bringing your earrings into contact with makeup, perfume and hair products. Some chemicals found in perfumes, lotions, and hair products may cause unwanted discoloration, or even worse, weaken the clay!

To prolong the life of your pieces, put your jewellery on after applying your fav perfume and makeup.

3. Avoid Sleeping, Swimming, Exercising or Showering.

Polymer clay is naturally water resistant, and yes, when baked properly at the right temperature they will be flexible and can bend a little. However, these activities can cause distress to the clay and overtime, they will break. 

It's good practice to take your earrings off and store them safely before going to bed, jumping in the pool, going to the gym, or getting in the shower!

4. Clean with a Soft, Damp Cloth.

Sometimes your polymer clay jewellery can become dirty or dusty. Especially when you have a favourite pair you like to wear daily! It is not essential to clean your pieces regularly, only clean them when you notice they could use a freshen up.

We recommend gently cleaning your pieces with a soft cloth and water. If your jewellery is very dirty you can try adding a bit of mild soap to your water. Do not scrub too hard, as some pieces may have delicate details or finishes. For areas that are tricky to reach, use a soft toothbrush or a cotton swab to gently clean without scratching the surface.

Never use acetone, rubbing alcohol, or any harsh chemical to clean the clay. This will do more damage to your pieces, and will sadly ruin them.

5. Handle with Care

Refrain from bending, dropping, or throwing as breakage may occur. While properly baked polymer clay is durable, it is still recommended to handle your pieces with care.

Avoid dropping them on hard surfaces, as if your piece has delicate parts, this can lead to breakage. When traveling, keep your jewellery in padded compartments or wrapped in a soft cloth to prevent damage.

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Following these instructions will ensure the longevity of your handmade earrings. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any further questions!

-Sam xx 

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